Congress Calls for Supreme Court Oversight in Ayodhya Donation Investigation
NEW DELHI: Congress has rejected the Uttar Pradesh police inquiry into the Ayodhya donation case, insisting instead on a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into what it describes as a “massive embezzlement” within the Ram Mandir trust, amounting to thousands of crores.
The party accused the BJP government of attempting to shield high-ranking officials while placing accountability on lower-level employees. It contended that the scam extends well beyond the trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, implicating figures of greater influence.
AICC spokesperson and Member of Parliament, Rajeev Shukla, suggested that the trust should be disbanded and its control handed to esteemed religious leaders, such as the Shankaracharyas. He stated, “Earlier they (BJP) looted votes in the name of Lord Ram, now they are looting notes in the name of Lord Ram.”
This move by Congress highlights ongoing tensions in Indian politics, particularly surrounding trustworthiness in fund management linked to religious institutions. The Ram Mandir has evolved into a significant emblem in the BJP’s broader narrative, making this scandal particularly volatile.
As the controversy unfolds, the call for a Supreme Court intervention underscores concerns among various political parties regarding accountability and transparency in governmental oversight of religious trusts.
